FEDS AGREE TO PRESERVE CARRYOVER WATER FOR GROWERS

FEDS AGREE TO PRESERVE CARRYOVER WATER FOR GROWERS

January 30, 2014

Breaking News:

Feinstein, Boxer: Reclamation Correct to Preserve Rescheduled Water

Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer(both D-Calif.) today praised the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for its decision to preserve rescheduled water supplies that Central Valley Project farmers have banked as a hedge against dry conditions.

“I commend Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor for his decision to preserve rescheduled water for CVP contractors who invested in additional supplies,”Senator Feinstein said. “With farmers already suffering from extraordinary drought conditions, it would be unfair to take away water they set aside at great expense and upon which they are depending to get through this year. I fully support Reclamation’s decision to stand with these farmers.”

“I am so pleased that the Bureau of Reclamation has heeded our call and honored its commitment to Central Valley Project contractors,” Senator Boxer said. “These contractors prudently saved water during wetter years and today’s announcement will ensure that they are able to use those resources as promised during this unprecedented drought.”

Central Valley Project contractors have spent approximately $150 million on water transfers to secure approximately 340,000 acre feet of water in San Luis Reservoir with the expectation that this water would be carried over for use in dry years. Redirecting this water to other CVP contractors could lead to devastating consequences for the contractors who invested in these reserve supplies.